Australian Supercars driver Craig Lowndes says he would like to chase down Peter Brock's record tally of nine Bathurst 1000 wins.

After securing his seventh Bathurst crown on Sunday alongside Steve Richards, Lowndes is within striking distance of equalling - or even beating - his mentor's record.

Lowndes will also have a direct focus on long-distance races from 2019, as he scales back his full-time Supercars commitments and moves into a co-driver role at Triple Eight.

Sticking with Triple Eight means he will have a competitive seat for future Bathurst races, as he would be paired either with seven-time champion Jamie Whincup or 2018 points leader Shane van Gisbergen.

"It'd be nice to try and get nine, yes," said Lowndes.

"Roland [Triple Eight boss Roland Dane] actually said I'm good enough for another five years and I've only got a contract for one, so hopefully I can put pen to paper and get those extra four.

"But whether I pair up with Jamie or Shane I think that next year's combination will be strong."

Lowndes has experience of how tough Bathurst wins are to claim, having gone two decades between his first and second successes.

With Ford renewing its manufacturer status with a new car next year, Lowndes said he will take a measured approach when he takes on his co-driver role.

"We'll keep working on the car, and no doubt Ford will be strong with their new Mustang, so it'll be an interesting race next year," he said.

"Last year Scotty [Scott McLaughlin] had a mega car here and unfortunately had a mechanical problem. [This year] car #1 had good pace and lost a wheel.

"You never know what happens around this place."

Reflecting on his 2018 victory, Lowndes said it rated close to his breakthrough second win in 2006 (pictured above) - just weeks after the death of close friend Brock.

"[The 2006 win] is sort of the special one because of the emotions that went behind it, but this is definitely right up there," he said.

"It's probably the second-best because now I know we're not going to be a full-time driver next year and these guys can all battle it out.

Why 2018 left McLaren with no one else to blameWith Honda out of the equation, 2018 was supposed to be the start of McLaren's return to the top - but the absence of the Japanese manufacturer just revealed more fundamental issues at the team1545091200F1

The contradictory 2019 rule change that 'fooled the FIA'Less complicated front wings are F1's biggest change for 2019, but a new fuel limit will also be introduced in a bid to improve the championship's image. How necessary it was in the first place is something a number of leading figures are still questioning1545004800F1

How a rally mechanic created F1's new giantkillerTwo dinners have shaped the destiny of Gunther Steiner's life in motorsport. The first, with his childhood hero Niki Lauda, led to his move into Formula 1. The second, with business magnate and team owner Gene Haas, led to his current role running Haas F1. So what better way to talk through Steiner's fascinating life and career than another dinner? By JAMES ROBERTS1544918400F1

Please note that unauthorised reproduction or translation of any content (including words, data, information, photos, videos and any other intellectual property) published on this page and any other copyrighted content published on Autosport.com is strictly prohibited. Please see our terms and conditions for further information.